About the Fund

Marjorie Louise Gardner Leonard loved the land of her family farm and the good life it provided. The first girl in her family to attend college, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Science from East Carolina University and a master’s degree from UNC-Greensboro, where she also completed her PhD coursework. Her greatest love was the land and the people of  her family’s farm, the Leonard Farm, an enterprise she managed and operated from 1996 until her death in 2012.

Marjorie’s motto was “I will do my part” and her life-long goal was to learn something new every day. She lived her values through decades of guiding and educating others at Vance-Granville Community College, Louisburg High School, and W.R. Mills High School while doing the difficult and challenging work of farm life all while holding fast to her commitment to the principles she believed in. Marjorie was a firm believer of equal rights for all, and active in her communities of Mapleville and Louisburg on local issues. She was a true pioneer who would speak up for equal pay and treatment for women in the workplace. Mrs. Leonard was active in many professional organizations, serving as President and as district and state adviser for the Future Homemakers Association and as an officer in many other organizations. She loved good, fresh, local foods and supported many efforts to educate others—young and old—about the benefits and importance of naturally raised foods and local farms.

From Farm to Fork: The Journey of Martha Leonard Mobley

In the heart of North Carolina, Martha Leonard Mobley’s journey began at North Carolina State University, where she pursued not one, but two Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science and Food Science, graduating in 1983. Her hunger for knowledge didn’t stop there; she continued her academic pursuits, earning a Master’s in Adult & Community College Education with a minor in Animal Science in 1994.

Armed with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for agriculture, Martha embarked on a remarkable career that spans over three decades. Since April 11, 1988, Martha has served as an Agricultural Extension Agent at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Center, part of the NC Cooperative Extension Service under North Carolina State University. Her responsibilities encompass a diverse range of tasks, from livestock management and Local Foods to agritourism development and climate change, showcasing her dedication to sustainable farming practices.

In addition to her role as an Extension Agent, Martha is the proud, sole owner of Meadow Lane Farm, LLC, a Century Farm established in 1911, specializing in fresh market organic vegetables and natural meats which she proudly sells at the Durham County Farmers’ Market and direct to consumers. Through Meadow Lane Farm, Martha not only provides high-quality produce and meats but also champions the local farming community. Her commitment to supporting small farmers is evident in initiatives like the annual “Dinner in the Meadow,” a fundraiser benefiting farmers in the region.

Jerry Stephen Mobley was born in Tarboro in 1955. He approached life as a wonderful journey, a gift worthy of study, consideration, and respect. Steve followed his bliss, and life opened its doors to him. He was an agribusinessman and owner, with his wife Martha, of Meadow Lane Farm in Louisburg. Agriculture was the thread that ran through all his work. As a young man in 1974, he received three National AQHA All-Around honors and captured the Youth Register of Merit, riding proudly on the horse “Whit’s Lucky Bob.”

A magna cum laude graduate of N.C. State University with a Master’s Degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State, Steve went on to work for the N.C. Department of Agriculture as a livestock (equine) marketing specialist. He retired from the state in 2006. In recent years he was dedicated to work and service at the Durham Farmers Market where he served as President of the Board of Directors and as a board member. He loved his customers and especially loved to encourage and guide small farmers. Steve was a producer and owner of champion Australian shepherd dogs, horses, beef cattle, and meat goats. He was a philosopher in his own right, enjoying poetry and words of wisdom. He read widely and studied North Carolina history, and he took time to reflect on the world around him. An avid gardener, he took great joy in cooking and entertaining for family and friends, to whom he was devoted.